Process for the Removal of Harmful Substances from Exhaust Gases of Combustion Engines and Catalyst for Carrying Out Said Process

ABSTRACT

An integrated system for treatment of exhaust gases includes a NO x -storing component, an in situ ammonia-generating component, an ammonia-storing component, and an ammonia (NH 3 )—SCR-component. A process for treatment of exhaust gas includes (i) storing of NO x  under lean exhaust gas conditions in a NO x -storing component; (ii) in situ conversion of the stored NO x  to ammonia (NH 3 ) under rich exhaust gas conditions; (iii) storing of the ammonia (NH 3 ) in a NH 3 -storing component under rich exhaust gas conditions, and (iv) reaction of NH 3  with NO x  under lean exhaust gas conditions. Thereby, the partial steps of storing of NO x  and conversion of NH 3  with NO x  are carried out at least partially and/or temporarily simultaneously and/or parallelly.

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/578,184, filedNov. 22, 2006, which is a national phase of International ApplicationNo. PCT/EP05/03948, filed Apr. 14, 2005, which claims priority fromGerman Application No. 10 2004 018648 and German Application No. 10 2004058210, all the above applications hereby incorporated herein byreference.

The invention relates to an integrated system for the treatment ofexhaust gases, which preferably consists of at least one NO_(x)-storingcomponent, at least one in situ ammonia-generating component, at leastone ammonia-storing component and at least one ammonia(NH₃)—SCR-component (in the following also: SCR-component), as well asto a process for the treatment of exhaust gases by using such a system.The invention also relates to a catalyst for the removal of harmfulsubstances including nitric oxides from exhaust gases of combustionengines, in particular from exhaust gases of lean engines in the cycliclean-rich operational mode. Another object of the invention relates to aprocess for the manufacture of said catalyst. Other objects of theinvention are catalyst systems, which include the catalyst as well asprocesses for the removal of harmful substances from exhaust gases ofcombustion engines containing nitric oxides, in particular from exhaustgases of lean engines in the cyclic lean-rich operational mode by usingsaid catalyst. Thereby, a process runs in the catalyst, which includesthe storage of nitric oxides in a NO_(x)-storing component, thereduction of the nitric oxides to ammonia, the storage of ammonia in anammonia-storing component and the oxidation of ammonia with NO_(x) tonitrogen.

A particular embodiment of three-way catalytic converters for theremoval of harmful substances from lean combustion engines, preferablyfrom engines of passenger cars, are NO_(x)-storing catalysts. By meansof the engine management system, said catalysts are alternately exposedto rich and lean exhaust gases conditions. During the lean operationalmode, they store the nitric oxides NO_(x) which are generated duringcombustion. The stored nitric oxides are subsequently catalyticallydecomposed in the course of a complicated engine management system witha complex program within short “enrichment phases” (that means lack ofoxygen) under then reducing conditions to nitrogen. Accordingly, suchcatalysts are also denominated as “NO_(x)-adsorbers” or also as“NO_(x)-storing/reducing catalysts”.

The function of NO_(x)-storing catalysts is described in detail in theSAE document SAE 950809.

NO_(x)-storing catalysts work dependent on the used NO_(x)-storing meansin specific “temperature windows”, typically between 200 and 500° C.During thermal aging of the NO_(x)-catalysts, the breadth of thetemperature window is narrowed. The limited temperature window is aproblem for the use in Diesel engines, wherein a high low-temperatureactivity is desired, as well as for lean Otto engines, whichpredominantly require a high high-temperature activity. Another problemof conventional NO_(x)-storing catalysts is that during the enrichmentphases, which are necessary for reducing the stored nitric oxides, highsecondary emissions can occur, for example in form of NH₃ and H₂S.

SCR-processes (selective catalytic reduction) for the decomposition ofNO_(x) by using NH₃ as selectively reducing agent, are also known fromthe state of the art.

Said SCR-process is a process with high efficiency in order to reduceNO_(x) emissions. For example, SCR-processes are used in stationarycombustion facilities. In SCR-processes, nitric oxides are reacted bymeans of ammonia as selectively reducing agent to N₂. The stoichiometryof the SCR-reaction, that means the ratio of molar amounts of NH₃ andNO_(x), which are necessary to achieve an approximately complete NO_(x)conversion, inter alia depends on the reaction temperatures and thecatalysts to be used. In general, it can be stated that the molaramounts of ammonia have to be in the same range as the amounts of thenitric oxides in order to ensure high conversions.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,039 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,387 high NOconversions are found at molar NH₃/NO_(x) ratios in the range of from0.75-1.25. In practical experience, the maximum molar NH₃/NO_(x) ratio,which has to be adjusted, is inter alia limited by the NH₃ breakthrough(so-called “ammonia slip”), which increases with increasing NH₃/NO_(x)ratio.

DE 199 09 933 A1 discloses a process for the operation of a facility forthe purification of exhaust gases with internal ammonia generation. Inone embodiment of the DE 199 09 933 A1, the generation of ammonia iscarried out by means of combustion sources, which are controlledseparately. At least one of the combustion sources generates a richexhaust gas, which is guided over a catalyst for generating ammonia. Theammonia which is generated in this manner, is fed into the exhaust gasflow of the lean combustion sources, which contains the NO_(x). By meansof a catalyst for reducing nitric oxide, NO_(x) and NH₃ are converted toN₂.

Said embodiment is limited in the practical realization, because the NH₃amount, which is generated at the catalyst for generating ammonia, andthe amount of NH₃, which is present in the other flow, have to bepresent always in a specific stoichiometry, because elsewise either NH₃or NO_(x) would be emitted in an increased concentration.

In another embodiment of the DE 199 09 933 A1, a NO_(x)-adsorbingcatalyst, an ammonia-reducing catalyst and a nitric oxide-reducingcatalyst are switched sequentially. So, the nitric oxides, which in thelean operational mode of the combustion sources are augmentedlycontained in the exhaust gases, can be buffered in the nitricoxide-adsorbing catalyst, and can be desorbed in a respective subsequentrich operational mode, and can be used at least partially in thefollowing ammonia-generating catalyst for the generation of ammonia.Thereby that the catalysts are switched sequentially, a simultaneousstorage of nitric oxides under lean exhaust gas conditions and areaction of ammonia with the nitric oxides is not possible.

Another exhaust gas purification of this type is disclosed in the WO97/17532. In this document, different arrangements of catalysts aredescribed, wherein each catalyst has a specific function. In one of theembodiments, an ammonia-generating catalyst, a NO_(x)-adsorbingcatalyst, a NH₃-storing catalyst and another catalyst are switchedsequentially. Such an arrangement is well suited to suppress secondaryemission in form of NH₃. Additionally, NO_(x) which is not longer storedby the NO_(x)-adsorbing catalyst, can be reduced in the addedammonia-adsorbing catalyst by desorption of ammonia. Thus, two differentprocesses for reducing NO_(x) are running sequentially towards eachother: at first, the NO_(x) is stored at the storage catalyst; if saidcatalyst is filled, then NO_(x), which breaks through, can be degradedwith the NH₃ to N₂. With said system, NO_(x) and NH₃ breakthroughs canbe lowered in the lean as well as in the rich operational mode. But asimultaneous storing and reducing of nitric oxides is here not possible.

In US 2002/0116920 A1 a process for treating exhaust gases is described,wherein a NH₃-generating catalyst, an oxidation catalyst and aSCR-catalyst are arranged sequentially. During the rich operationalmode, NH₃ is generated by means of the NH₃-generating catalyst. Saidammonia is stored on the SCR-catalyst. During lean operational mode, theSCR catalyst converts the before stored NH₃ with the NO_(x), which isemitted from the engine, to N₂. The oxidation catalyst increases theefficiency of the SCR-catalyst by oxidation of the NO to NO₂.

The process which is described in the US 2002/0116920 A1 has thedrawback that the stoichiometry, which is necessary for the efficientconversion of NO_(x) by means of the SCR-reaction between NO_(x) and NH₃during the real operation can be complied with only in a highlytechnical complexity and considerable excess consumption of fuel. Thus,during the rich operational mode, the formation of nearly the same molaramount of NH₃ would be due as would be emitted in the subsequent leanoperational mode. However, this means that relatively long rich phaseswould have be to realized, what inevitably leads to increased fuelconsumption and increased CO and HC emissions.

As a rule, the catalysts which are mostly used in the processes of theprior art, comprise an active metal component as well as aNO_(x)-storing component, which mostly contains an oxide of the alkalimetal elements, of the earth alkali metal elements or the rare earthelements.

Mostly, as active metal, platinum is employed. An essential function ofthe active metal is to oxidize NO in the lean phase to NO₂. The soformed NO₂ is usually stored with the oxidic NO_(x)-storing component inform of nitrate or nitrite. In case that with increasing saturation ofthe NO_(x)-storing component by means of nitrate (nitrite) the NO_(x)conversion performance is reduced to an unacceptable level, then, bymeans of internal actions of the engine, an enrichment of the exhaustgas takes place. Said enrichment causes the abrupt decomposition of thenitrates (nitrites) and deliberation of NO_(x). Because during theenrichment enough reducing agent and furthermore only few oxygen ispresent, the NO_(x) can be reduced directly with carbon monoxide (CO)and hydrocarbons (HC) to N₂. In order to accelerate said reduction,NO_(x)-storing catalysts contain additionally to platinum mostly alsolow amounts of rhodium. Platinum as well as rhodium are present ontemperature stable, mostly highly porous carrier oxides like the oxidesof the Al, Si, Zr or Ti or mixtures thereof. In particular, aluminumoxide often is used as carrier for platinum. NO_(x)-storing catalysts ofthe prior art are for example disclosed in EP 1 317 953 A1, EP 0 716 876B1, EP 0 730 901 B1, US 2002/0048542 A1, EP 0 982 066 A1, DE 100 36 886A1, EP 1 010 454 A2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,521, EP 1 036 591 A1.

In particular the active metal components and additives, which arecontained in the NO_(x)-storing catalyst, as for example oxygen-storingmaterials, which are mostly based on cerium zirconium oxide, ensure thatalso carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) can be effectivelyreacted under rich as well as stoichiometrical and lean exhaust gasconditions to carbon dioxide and water. In the same manner, the reactionof NO_(x) to N₂ under rich and stoichiometrical exhaust gas conditionsis successful.

From DE 101 13 947 B4 also already a process for the lowering of thenitric oxide content in the exhaust gas of a combustion engine is known,which can be run in the alternating lean-rich operational mode, whereina starting catalyst, a NO_(x)-storing catalyst and a SCR-catalyst arearranged sequentially. Herewith, nitric oxides are reduced to ammoniaunder rich exhaust gas conditions at a NO_(x)-storing catalyst and astarting catalyst. In another step, the nitric oxides react at theSCR-catalyst with so formed ammonia to nitrogen. By means of appropriateadjustment of the engine management system, thereby the requiredreduction conditions (rich operational mode) respectively oxidationconditions (lean operational mode) are adjusted for the individualsteps.

It is already known using zeolites in catalysts for the purification ofexhaust gases of cars.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,709 B1 discloses a hydrothermally stable zeolite-β,which contains iron and cerium, which catalyses the reduction of NO_(x)with ammonia (ammonia-SCR-reaction (selective catalytic reduction byammonia)). Thereby, the process for the reduction of NO_(x) plans thatammonia is permanently metered to the exhaust gas flow.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,521 discloses the use of a zeolite in NO_(x)-storingcatalysts for exhaust gases from engines, which are run in theconventional rich-lean cycle. Thereby, the zeolite serves as carrier forthe active metal. Thereby, the process for the reduction of NO_(x) plansthat the stored NO_(x) reacts in the moment of the enrichment with thehydrocarbons and CO to N₂. Thus, no formation of NH₃ and bufferingwithin the zeolite takes place.

EP 0 970 737 A2 discloses a catalyst, which comprises a carrierincluding a zeolite and a metal oxide as well as a storing and adeliberating component and a noble metal, which is outside of the poresof the zeolite. Herewith, the zeolite has to serve merely as carrier forthe active metal.

The EP 1 129 764 A1 discloses catalysts for the purification of theexhaust gases of Diesel engines containing at least one zeolite as wellas additionally at least one of the carrier oxides aluminum oxide,silicon oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide and alumina silicate aswell as the mixed oxides thereof, and at least one of the noble metalsplatinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, gold or silver.

The EP 0 970 737 A2 and the technical document SAE 900496 disclosezeolites for the direct conversion of NO_(x) with hydrocarbons in thesense of the so-called HC—SCR (selective catalytic reduction byhydrocarbons). Thereby, corresponding to the NH₃—SCR process, it is acontinuously working process, wherein NO_(x) is directly reduced with ahydrocarbon to N₂. In this connection, transition metal-exchanged andnoble metal-exchanged or loaded zeolites like ZSM-5 and zeolite-β areemployed.

One object of the invention was to develop a process for the treatmentof exhaust gas for the removal of NO_(x) from exhaust gases from leanengines, which are operated in the cyclic rich-lean operational mode,the efficiency of which for the removal of NO_(x) and for the reductionof the secondary emissions is higher than those of the catalysts fromthe prior art.

Another object of the invention was to provide a catalyst for theremoval of harmful substances containing nitric oxides from exhaustgases from combustion engines, in particular from exhaust gases fromlean engines in the cyclic lean-rich operational mode, whereby by usingsaid catalyst a simplified and more effective process for the loweringof the harmful substance content in the exhaust gases of said enginesshould be achieved with respect to the prior art.

One object of the invention is achieved by means of a process which in apreferred embodiment comprises at least the following partial steps:

(i) storing of NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions in at least oneNO_(x)-storing component;(ii) in situ conversion of the stored NO_(x) to ammonia (NH₃) under richexhaust gas conditions;(iii) storing of NH₃ in at least one NH₃-storing component under richexhaust gas conditions;(iv) reaction of NH₃ with NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions.

Thereby, the partial steps “storing of NO_(x)” and “reaction of NH₃ withNO_(x)” are preferably carried out at least partially and/or temporarilysimultaneously and/or parallelly.

The process of the invention is characterized by a high NO_(x)conversion rate over a broad temperature range.

Preferably, the process of the invention is used for the lowering ofNO_(x) emissions from Otto and Diesel engines from motor cars, which areoperated in a lean manner.

Another object of the invention is also solved by an integrated catalystsystem, wherein at least two different components have at least thefollowing functionalities: (i) NO_(x)-storing under lean exhaust gasconditions, (ii) in situ reduction of the stored NO_(x) to ammonia (NH₃)under rich exhaust gas conditions, (iii) storing of the NH₃ in aNH₃-storing means under rich exhaust gas conditions, (iv) reaction ofNH₃ with NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions. The components of thesystem are combined functionally and preferably also locally, preferablyin direct contact with each other as well as further preferred on acontiguous substrate or a jointed substrate respectively on or in acommon substrate.

The system of the invention for treating exhaust gases (in the followingalso named as “system”) is suitable for the removal of nitric oxides(NO_(x)) from exhaust gases, preferably from exhaust gases from engines,under cyclic rich/lean conditions.

The integrated catalyst system of the invention is composed of at leasttwo components with at least the functionalities (i) to (iv). Besides,the catalyst system can have any number of other components with anyfurther functionality. Each individual component can in turn be composedof components, for example of carrier components and active components.

According to the invention, the above described NO_(x)-storingtechnology is combined with the above described SCR-technology in anintegrated system for the treatment of an exhaust gas. Thereby, theammonia, which is necessary for the SCR-process, is gained notexclusively, however in a considerable amount from the nitric oxides,which are bound in the NO_(x)-storing component, i.e. in situ. Anadditional feed of ammonia from outside in any amount is therebypossible.

The term (catalyst)component means within the scope of the presentdocument any material, which has at least one of the functionalities,which are necessary for the effect of the integrated catalyst system.

In the scope of the present invention, the term NO_(x) conversionperformance shall mean the degree for the removal of a certain amount ofNO_(x) per time unit as function of the exhaust gas composition, theexhaust gas temperature, the oxygen partial pressure, the NO_(x) engineemission, the exhaust gas volume flow and the operation time in the leanoperational mode of a system for the treatment of an exhaust gas.

The term lean operation time shall mean the duration of the time,wherein the system for the treatment of an exhaust gas isuninterruptedly exposed to a lean exhaust gas. The lean operation timeis an important factor for the fill-level of the NO_(x)-storingcatalyst, that means the integral amount of NO_(x), which is adsorbed bythe NO_(x)-storing catalyst.

As essential criteria for the classification of engine types as well asof catalysts, serves the ratio of air to fuel expressed by means of the“air number” λ. Thereby, a value of λ=1.0 corresponds exactly to thestoichiometrical ratio of fuel to dry air, that means that there is justenough air within the combustion space so that all fuel can be burntstoichiometrically to carbon dioxide and water.

Lean exhaust gas is an exhaust gas with an air number λ>1, and richexhaust gas is an exhaust gas with an air number λ<1. In the sense of aminimization of fuel consumption, in general, enrichment periods asshort as possible, enrichment levels as low as possible and lean periodsas long as possible are aimed for. Inter alia, rich-lean period ratiosand enrichments levels depend strongly on the NO_(x)-conversionperformance and the NO_(x) regeneration ability of the systems for thetreatment of an exhaust gas. During an enrichment phase, combustionengines emit increased amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂)and additionally hydrocarbons (HC). These components, which arereducing, reduce the nitric oxides to nitrogen and ammonia, and therebyare decomposed themselves to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

Another reason to prefer enrichment periods as low as possible andenrichment levels as low as possible is that breakthroughs of CO and HCas well as increased secondary emission, for example in form of NH₃, H₂Sand COS, have to be minimized.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention, atleast one NO_(X)-storing component, at least one in situammonia-generating component, at least one ammonia-storing component andat least one SCR-component have to be integrated spatially and/orfunctionally in a manner that a high NO_(x) conversion performance isensured by means of a simultaneous course of NO_(x)-storing andSCR-reaction, and that thereby preferably secondary emissions in form ofNH₃ are minimized.

Despite the high complexity of the system for the treatment of anexhaust gas of the invention, it is in another preferred embodimentpossible to combine all necessary (catalytic) components for the designof the system on a common or a contiguous substrate respectively ajointed substrate, and therewith to provide an efficient and cost-savingsystem for the treatment of an exhaust gas. The integration of the(catalytic) components (NO_(x)-storing component, in situammonia-generating component, NH₃-storing component, SCR-component) on acommon substrate, preferably in form of a monolithic honeycomb body, ispreferably achieved in a manner that the before mentioned components aresimultaneously or sequentially applied onto a common substrate,preferably by means of known washcoat processes.

The NO_(x)-storing component, which is used according to the invention,can be composed basically from the known noble metal components and/orstoring means, which are known from the prior art.

Fundamentally, as NO_(x)-storing means, all materials are suitable,which are able for their chemical, preferably basic properties, to storenitric oxide respectively to adsorb nitric oxides, whereby the storednitric oxides must be stable under the appropriate temperatureconditions. Consequently, preferably compounds of the alkali metals (Na,K, Rb, Cs), of the earth alkali metals (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), of the rareearth metals (La, Ce, Pr, etc.) and of zirconium are used as storingmaterials, as for example in form of oxides, hydroxides or carbonatesthereof. As active metal components, platinum metals (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru,Ir) are preferred, which are applied onto porous carrier oxides.

During the lean operational mode, the function of the NO_(x)-storingcomponent is to store the NO_(x), which is emitted by the combustionengine. In case that the NO_(x)-conversion performance drops to anunacceptable level due to the increasing saturation of theNO_(x)-component with NO_(x), then, by means of internal actions of theengine, an enrichment of the exhaust gas is carried out. Due to theenrichment, the stored NO_(x) is reduced. To which extent anunacceptable NO_(x)-storing level is achieved, can be determinedpreferably by using a NO_(x) sensor, which is installed downstream tothe system for the treatment of an exhaust gas according to theinvention.

When using systems for the treatment of an exhaust gas, which areprovided with NO_(x)-storing catalysts, the enrichment should lead to areduction of the nitric oxide to N₂ as selective as possible. Theformation of NH₃ is not desired in these systems.

However, the present invention has the aim to form NH₃ during theenrichment phase. Contrary to the documents which are mentioned in theprior art, thus, the NH₃ formation is carried out mainly or at leastpredominantly from the nitric oxides, which are stored in theNO_(x)-storing component before.

The process according to the invention, inter alia, is characterized inthat within a very short time slice NH₃ can be generated, because theamount of NO_(x), which was accumulated over a longer period, that isthe one of the previous lean phase, can be employed for the reduction toammonia.

The high selective reduction of the nitric oxides to N₂ during theenrichment phases is not mandatory within the scope of the presentinvention, in principle even not desired. On one hand, an efficientreduction of NO_(x) to NH₃ can be controlled by means of the amount ofthe emitted hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) during theenrichment, and on the other hand by means of an optimized catalystformulation.

Preferably, additionally one of the active metal components which arepresent in the NO_(x)-storing component has the function of the in situammonia-generating component or the function of generating ammonia.

It has to be mentioned that the ammonia does not have to originateexclusively from the nitric oxides, which are stored in theNO_(x)-storing component, but can additionally be formed in inferior orat least low amount (<50%, preferably <20%) from those nitric oxides,which are emitted from the engine during the enrichment phases.

The ammonia which is formed in this manner, is now stored in anappropriate NH₃-storing component. Preferably, the NH₃-storing componentis able to (ad)sorb the deliberated NH₃ under lean as well as under richexhaust gas conditions in a broad temperature range.

Any material can be applied as NH₃-storing component, which can at leastpartially adsorb or absorb or adsorb as adduct or can otherwise storeNH₃. Thereby, Lewis acids or Brönsted acids are preferred.

Within the scope of the present invention, preferably, the NH₃-storingcomponent has the function to quantitatively as possible adsorb the NH₃,which is generated in the rich phase, however at least to adsorb in aconsiderable amount. Thereby, the enrichment periods and levels shouldbe as low as possible in order to minimize the additional consumption offuel.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the enrichment periods andenrichment levels should be high enough in order to allow (i) to emptythe NO_(x)-storing catalyst as completely as possible and (ii) to allowan efficient reduction of the nitric oxides, which are deliberatedduring the moment of the enrichment, to ammonia. Preferred period ratiosof lean periods to rich periods are in the range of from 5:1 to 100:1,preferably of from 30:1 to 80:1. Preferred enrichment levels are withina range of 0.8<λ<0.99.

Changing from rich operational mode to the lean operational mode, thenthe emission of NO_(x), which is emitted from the engine, is lowered bydifferent ways, namely preferably simultaneously: one portion of theNO_(x) in turn is stored within the NO_(x)-storing component, whereasthe other portion reacts directly with NH₃, which is bound in theNH₃-storing component. Because now the NO_(x)-lowering occurssimultaneously and in two different reaction paths, according to theinvention, all in all a clearly higher NO_(x) conversion performance canbe achieved with respect to the process of the prior art.

The NH₃, which is emitted, is bound according to the present inventionin a NH₃-storing component. During the subsequent lean phase, the NH₃can be degradated together with the NO_(x), which is emitted from thecombustion engine under lean exhaust gas conditions to N₂ according tothe so-called SCR-reaction. The SCR-reaction takes place in or at aSCR-component. As SCR-component, any material can be applied which isknown to the skilled person from SCR-reactions, for exampleV/Ti-catalysts, as they are known from the stationary exhaust gastreatment. In a preferred embodiment, the SCR-component is a Lewis acidor a Bornsted acid and thereby acts also as NH₃-storing component.

According to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, acombined NH₃-storing component/SCR-component is built up chemically in amanner that the stored NH₃ is not oxidized or only oxidized in a verylow amount with the oxygen, which is contained in the exhaust gas, toNO_(x) and is emitted.

Because in this way at least one portion of the NO_(x) which is at firststored in the NO_(x)-storing component is transferred into ammonia andis then reacted in the meaning of the SCR-reaction to N₂, the inventiveprocess allows increased NO_(x) conversion performances, because theSCR-reaction supports the storing of NO_(x).

In order to allow the simultaneous operation sequence of SCR-reactionand storing of NO_(x), it is preferred, bringing the NO_(x)-storingcomponent and/or the NH₃-storing component and/or the SCR-component,respectively, into contact with each other, preferably in form of aphysical mixing. Also, the bringing into contact can be carried out inother ways which are known to the skilled person, for example bychemical and/or mechanical processes or by any combinations of physical,chemical and mechanical processes.

To the contrary, an exclusively or predominantly sequential arrangementof these components is not preferred, because in case of a sequentialarrangement, the SCR-reaction and storing of NO_(x) can be carried outsimultaneously towards each other only to a very low extent, however canbe carried out rather predominantly one after another. A certain amountof a sequential operation sequence of the reaction, however, does notfall outside the scope of the present invention.

In case that for example the NO_(x)-storing component would be installedupstream to both the NH₃-storing component and the SCR-component, then,in lean operational mode, the NO_(x)-storing component would be loadedwith NO_(x), and not until the decreasing storing of NO_(x) theSCR-reaction could perform a significant contribution to the totalNO_(x) conversion with increasing lean operational mode.

In a preferred embodiment, the NH₃-storing component and theSCR-component are identical, that means an appropriate material is able(i) to store NH₃ under rich exhaust gas conditions and (ii) to convertunder lean exhaust gas conditions according to the SCR-reaction.

In a preferred embodiment, the NO_(x)-storing component contains atleast one active metal. This ensures that also CO and HC can be reactedunder rich, stoichiometrical and lean exhaust gas conditions effectivelyto carbon dioxide and water. In the same manner, also the conversion ofNO_(x) to N₂ or the NH₃ formation under rich and stoichiometricalexhaust gas conditions at an active metal, which is contained within theNO_(x)-storing component, can be carried out successfully.

Alternatively, the catalyst system according to the invention can alsocontain additives like oxygen-storing materials—for example on the basisof cerium zirconium oxide.

In order to minimize CO and HC breakthroughs during the enrichmentphases, in a preferred embodiment another catalyst, for example in formof an oxidation catalyst, can be installed downstream.

The system according to the invention has a higher NO_(x) conversionperformance than previous NO_(x)-storing catalyst systems.

The process and system according to the invention preferably can beapplied for the following applications:

The advantages of the invention are in particular revealed, if, forexample, the exhaust gas temperatures, for example caused by a suddenload alternation, either fall below or exceed the temperatures, whichare necessary or favorable for the storing of NO_(x). Provided thatsufficient NH₃ is present within the NH₃-storing means, in such casesthe SCR-reaction alone can provide a high NO_(x) conversion to N₂.

Other advantages are seen therein that by using the process according tothe invention, the engine can be run longer in the lean operational modeand to minimize the secondary emissions.

Another advantage of the process and system according to the inventionis that the four components, which are necessary for the exhaust gassystem according to the invention, i.e. NO_(x)-storing component,NH₃-generating component, NH₃-storing component and SCR-component, canbe integrated on a common carrier, body or substrate, as for example ona honeycomb body, to a contiguous system. Compared to other processes,which revert back to a continuous feed of ammonia from outside,furthermore, the process according to the invention has the advantagethat the precise keeping of a defined stoichiometry, as the case may beactively controlled stoichiometry of NH₃ relatively to NO_(x) is notnecessary.

Another object could be achieved with a catalyst for the removal ofharmful substances containing nitric oxides (NO_(x)) from the exhaustgases of lean engines in the cyclic lean/rich operational mode, which ischaracterized in that said catalyst

(i) stores nitric oxides (NO_(x)) in a NO_(x)-storing component,(ii) converts NO_(x) to ammonia (NH₃),(iii) stores ammonia in a NH₃-storing component,(iv) reacts NH₃ with NO_(x).

Contrary to the prior art, the storing of nitric oxides, the reductionto ammonia, the storing of ammonia and the ammonia oxidation take placewithin one catalyst and not in several catalysts. In the new catalyst,the components of the catalyst, which cause said processes, are in aphysical contact, whereas the components of the catalysts of the priorart are separated from each other.

The treatment of exhaust gas by using the novel catalyst allows theremoval of NO_(x) with increased efficiency. Surprisingly, said catalystcan also cause a significant lowering of the undesired secondary NH₃emission in comparison to the processes and catalysts of the prior art.

The process for the removal of NO_(x) from exhaust gases by using thecatalyst, which contains the NO_(x)- and NH₃-storing components, canalso be named as NSR—C—SCR-process (“NO_(x)-storage-reduction coupledwith selective-catalytic-reduction”).

The term “NO_(x)-storage or NO_(x)-storing or storage or storing ofNO_(x)” has the meaning of both NO_(x) adsorption and NO_(x) absorption.NO_(x)-adsorption is present, if NO_(x) is physisorbed or chemisorbed inform of a surface species on the surface of a component, which ispresent within the catalyst. The term “NO_(x) adsorption” denominatesthe formation of a nitrogen-containing “bulk phase” of theNO_(x)-storing means. Accordingly, the analog meaning applies to thestoring of NH₃ and the NH₃-storing component.

In a particular embodiment, the catalyst for the removal of harmfulsubstances containing nitric oxides (NO_(x)) from the exhaust gases oflean engines in the cyclic lean/rich-operational mode is characterizedin that the catalyst contains at least one of the materials from thegroup (1) and at least one acidic solid from the group (2) andoptionally at least one of the materials from the groups (3) and (4):

-   (1) Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir and Ru, each alone or in mixture, being present    on a carrier material selected from: oxides, mixed oxides,    phosphates and sulfates of Al, Si, Zr, Ti, Ce, the earth alkali    metal elements and rare earth elements; heteropoly acids; zeolites;    as well as mixtures thereof;-   (2) zeolites; heteropoly acids; sulfated zirconium oxide or    zirconium phosphates; as well as mixtures thereof;-   (3) oxides and mixed oxides of the alkali metal elements, earth    alkali metal elements, rare earth elements, zirconium, titanium;-   (4) inorganic compounds of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, In, Ga, Ag and    Sn as well as mixtures thereof;    wherein the catalyst    (i) stores nitric oxides (NO_(x)) in a NO_(x)-storing component,    (ii) converts NO_(x) to ammonia (NH₃),    (iii) stores ammonia in a NH₃-storing component,    (iv) reacts NH₃ with NO_(x).

Thereby, the materials from group (1) and optionally (3) and optionally(4) act as NO_(x)-storing component and the acidic solids of group (2)as NH₃-storing component. The materials of group (1) and optionally (3)and (4) thereby act also as NO_(x)-adsorption or absorption component,and the acidic solids of group (2) as NH₃-adsorption or absorptioncomponent.

In another embodiment of the catalyst, one of the carrier materials fromgroup (1) itself is an acidic solid of group (2).

Said further embodiment of the catalyst for the removal of harmfulsubstances containing nitric oxides (NO_(x)) from the exhaust gases oflean engines in the cyclic lean/rich operational mode is characterizedin that the catalyst contains at least one of the materials from thegroup (1) and optionally at least one of the materials from the groups(3) and (4):

-   (1) Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir and Ru, each alone or in mixture, being present    on a carrier material selected from: oxides, mixed oxides,    phosphates and sulfates of Al, Si, Zr, Ti, Ce, the earth alkali    metal elements and rare earth elements; heteropoly acids; zeolites;    as well as mixtures thereof;-   (3) oxides and mixed oxides of the alkali metal elements, earth    alkali metal elements, rare earth elements, zirconium, titanium;-   (4) inorganic compounds of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, In, Ga, Ag and    Sn as well as mixtures thereof;    wherein at least one of the carrier materials from group (1) is an    acidic solid, which has the meaning as defined above for the group    (2), and the catalyst    (i) stores nitric oxides (NO_(x)) in a NO_(x)-storing component,    (ii) converts NO_(x) to ammonia (NH₃),    (iii) stores ammonia in a NH₃-storing component,    (v) reacts NH₃ with NO_(x).

In another embodiment, also a catalyst can be applied which ischaracterized in that said catalyst contains at least one of thematerials from the group (1) and at least one acidic solid from group(2) and optionally at least one of the materials from group (3) and (4):

-   (1) Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir and Ru, each alone or in mixture, being present    on a carrier material selected from: oxides, mixed oxides,    phosphates and sulfates of Al, Si, Zr, Ti, Ce, the earth alkali    metal elements and rare earth elements; heteropoly acids; zeolites;    as well as mixtures thereof;-   (2) zeolites; heteropoly acids; sulfated zirconium oxide or    zirconium phosphates; as well as mixtures thereof;-   (3) oxides and mixed oxides of the alkali metal elements, earth    alkali metal elements, rare earth elements, zirconium, titanium;-   (4) inorganic compounds of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, In, Ga, Ag and    Sn as well as mixtures thereof;

In particular, the efficiency of the catalysts is dependent from themacroscopic design and from the morphology of the catalyst. Inparticular good results are achieved with catalysts, which aremanufactured by the known “washcoat”-processes.

In another embodiment, a catalyst is applied, which is characterized inthat said catalyst contains at least one material from the group (1) andat least one acidic solid from the group (2) and optionally at least oneof the materials from the groups (3) and (4):

-   (1) Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir and Ru, each alone or in mixture, being present    on a carrier material selected from: oxides, mixed oxides,    phosphates and sulfates of Al, Si, Zr, Ti, Ce, the earth alkali    metal elements and rare earth elements; heteropoly acids; zeolites;    as well as mixtures thereof;-   (2) zeolites; heteropoly acids; sulfated zirconium oxide or    zirconium phosphates; as well as mixtures thereof;-   (3) oxides and mixed oxides of the alkali metal elements, earth    alkali metal elements, rare earth elements, zirconium, titanium;-   (4) inorganic compounds of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, In, Ga, Ag and    Sn as well as mixtures thereof;    wherein the catalyst can be produced according to a washcoat    process.

The active metals of group (1) act as active metals, therefore arepredominantly responsible for the catalytic activity. The term activemetal is to be understood not only for the respective element but alsofor possible oxides and suboxides of said noble metals.

The heteropoly acids of group (1) respectively (2) have the meaning ofinorganic polyacids, which have two kinds of central atoms. They can beformed by acidifying polybasic metal oxygen acids, as for example thoseof chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium and element cations, asfor example those of Ti⁴⁺, Zr⁴⁺, Al³⁺, Co²⁺ or Co³⁺, Cu¹⁺ or Cu²⁺ andother or non-metal oxygen acids.

As ammonia-storing component of the group (2), acidic solids are suited,which are formed from the group of the zeolites, the heteropoly acids,the sulfated zirconium oxides and the zirconium phosphates.

Zeolites are solids, which have different acidic strength, because, forexample, ion-exchanged zeolites often have a lower solid state acidity.When having a high amount of aluminum, then, the acidity of zeolites canbe very low. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the acidity ofzeolites by means of thermal or chemical treatments, so that saidzeolites do not show typical properties of solids with high acidity.

When applying zeolites as carrier oxides for the active components (thatis the noble metal component), therefore, the ability of therespectively applied zeolite to be able to act simultaneously asammonia-storing component, is dependent from the acidic properties ofthe zeolite itself.

In one of the embodiments, the zeolite or the zeolites and theheteropoly acids of group (1) are identical with the zeolite or thezeolites and the heteropoly acids of group (2).

In said embodiment, the NO_(x)-storing component has at the same timealso the function of the NH₃-storing component.

As acidic solid of the group (2), preferably a zeolite or zeolites,which have a Si/Al ratio of more than 3 are applied. The Si/Al ratio ofthe acidic zeolites should be at least 3, because with such zeolites asufficient hydrothermal stability of the zeolite is ensured.

Preferred zeolites of the group (2) are selected from the grouppentasiles, Y-zeolite, USY, DAY, mordenite and zeolite-β.

Said zeolites can be applied either in the pure form or as mixtures,wherein also a use of forms of doped zeolites is comprised, which areobtained by means of ion-exchange or by any other treatment. Thereby,the zeolite can be present in the sodium form, ammonium form or in the Hform. Furthermore, it is possible to transfer the sodium, ammonium or Hform into another ionic form by impregnation with metal salts and oxidesor by means of ion-exchange. An example is the transfer of Na—Y-zeoliteinto SE-zeolite (SE=rare earth element) by ion-exchange in aqueous rareearth element chloride solution. In particular preferred is anion-exchange with the earth alkali metal elements, rare earth elements,gallium, indium and iron. The respective elements can be present on orin the zeolite as ions, oxides, suboxides or carbonates.

The acidic zeolites can act both as NH₃-storing component and asSCR-catalysts.

As the case may be, the catalyst can contain besides the NO_(x)-storingcomponent and the NH₃-storing component a third component. Saidcomponent consists at least of an ion-exchanged zeolite. Said componentacts as additional NH₃—SCR-component. Thereby, the use of ion-exchangedand/or rare earth element-exchanged zeolites is preferred.

The materials of the group (4) serve as dopants. In general, they arepresent as inorganic compound or in elementary form. Preferably, theyare present in oxidic form. The term oxide also includes all suboxides,hydroxides and carbonates.

In the catalyst, the amount of the sum of the noble metals in the totalamount of the catalyst is in the range of from 0.05 to 10 weight-%,wherein the amount of the noble metals in the total mass of the catalystis in the range of from 0.1 to 5 weight-%.

The catalyst is also characterized in, that the amount of acidic solidfrom group (2) in the total mass of catalyst is in the range of from 5to 95 weight-%, wherein a range of from 10 to 75 weight-% is preferred.

In another embodiment, the catalyst contains from group (1) palladium onzirconium oxide or cerium oxide or aluminum oxide or silica aluminamixed oxide as carrier oxide.

In a particular embodiment of the preceding embodiment, the catalystcontains additionally to Pd Ru or Rh or Pt.

In another embodiment, the catalyst contains additionally from group (2)cerium oxide or from group (2) cerium oxide and from group (3) iron orfrom group (2) cerium oxide and praseodymium oxide and from group (3)iron.

In another embodiment, the catalyst is present on a monolithic honeycombbody.

The novel catalyst can be manufactured according to a process, whichcomprises the step (i):

-   (i) Bringing the NO_(x)-storing component with the NH₃-storing    component of the catalyst into contact or bringing at least one of    the materials of the group (1) with at least one acidic solid of    group (2) and optionally at least one of the materials from    groups (3) and (4) into contact.

Dependent on the embodiment of the catalyst, the bringing into contactcan be carried out in a pure mechanical manner by mixing of the solidmaterials of the groups (1) and optionally (3) and/or (4) with thematerials of group (2) or by means of a washcoat process.

For the macroscopic design and the morphology of the catalyst, which canhave a high influence on the efficiency, therefore, all embodiments arepreferred, which, in general, have already proved of value in thecatalyst production. In particular, said embodiments are the known“washcoat” and/or “honeycomb” technologies.

The last mentioned technologies are based upon that the predominantamount of the carrier material is ground in aqueous suspension toparticle sizes of several micrometers and is than applied on a ceramicor metallic shaped body. Basically, other components in water-soluble orwater-insoluble form can be applied into the washcoat before or afterthe coating. After applying of all ingredients of the catalyst onto theshaped body, as a rule, said body is dried and, as the case may be,calcinated at increased temperatures.

Particularly preferred are arrangements of the catalyst material withhigh BET-surface and high retention of the BET-surface after thermalaging. With respect to the structure of the pores, in particularpreferred are macro pores, which are formed as ducts, which coexisttogether with meso pores and/or micro pores. Thereby, the meso poresand/or the micro pores contain the active metal. Furthermore, it isparticularly preferred, that the acidic solid of group (2), which has toserve as NH₃-storing function and as the SCR-function, is mixed asthoroughly as possible with the one or the more NO_(x)-storingcomponents.

The catalyst, which is used for the process preferably exists as powder,granulate, extrudate, shaped body or as coated honeycomb body.

The integration of the catalytic components onto a common substrate,preferably in form of a monolithic honeycomb body, is preferably carriedout in a manner that the before-mentioned components of the catalystsare applied onto a common substrate by means of bringing the componentsinto contact by means of the known washcoat processes.

However, it is also possible, to mix the components, that is the NO_(x)-and the NH₃-storing component, mechanically, and then to apply themixture, for example in form of mixed powders, granulates, extrudates orshaped bodies.

Despite the high complexity of the catalyst, it is therefore possible,to incorporate all the components, which are necessary for the design ofthe catalyst, onto a common substrate. So, an efficient and cost-savingexhaust gas treatment system can be provided.

Another object of the invention is also a catalyst system, in which thebefore-described catalyst is present in combination with at least onefurther catalyst.

In one embodiment, at least one further catalyst is a NO_(x)-storingcatalyst. The NO_(x)-storing catalysts can be applied which aredescribed in the prior art.

In the catalyst system, the novel catalyst and the NO_(x)-storingcatalyst are preferably arranged sequentially.

In another embodiment, the catalyst is present in mixture with theNO_(x)-storing catalyst within the catalyst system.

In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is installed downstream tothe catalyst or the catalyst system or a NO_(x)-sensor is installeddownstream to the at least one further catalyst.

Another object of the invention is the use of the new catalyst or of acatalyst system, which contains the catalyst, for the removal of harmfulsubstances containing nitric oxides (NO_(x)) from exhaust gases of leanengines, that is a combustion engine, in the cyclic lean-richoperational mode.

Another object of the invention relates to a process for the removal ofharmful substances including nitric oxides (NO_(x)) from the exhaustgases of lean engines in the cyclic lean-rich operational modecharacterized in that a catalyst or a catalyst system is used asdescribed above.

In a particular embodiment, said process is characterized in that acatalyst or a catalyst system is used as described above, whereby theprocess comprises the steps (i) to (iv):

(i) storing of NO_(x) in a NO_(x)-storing component,(ii) conversion of the stored NO_(x) to ammonia NH₃,(iii) storing of ammonia in a NH₃-storing component,(iv) reaction of NH₃ with NO_(x).

The process for the purification of the exhaust gas is alsocharacterized in that step (i) runs under lean exhaust gas conditionsand the step (ii) under rich exhaust gas conditions and that the steps(iii) and (iv) run both under rich and lean exhaust gas conditions.

Furthermore, steps (i) and (iv) can run at least temporarilysimultaneously and/or parallelly.

The term combustion engine has the meaning of thermal energy converter,which convert chemical energy, which is stored in fuels, by combustioninto heat and into mechanical energy. For engines with internalcombustion, the air, which is enclosed in a gas-proof and changeableworking space (for example a plunger), is the working medium, which isdefined in the meaning of a thermal engine, and at the same time thecarrier for the oxygen, which is necessary for the combustion. Thecombustion takes place in a cyclic manner, whereby both the fuel and the(air)oxygen are freshly loaded before each cycle. In dependence from theguiding of the cycle, for example described by a pV-working diagramaccording to Carnot, it can be differentiated thermodynamically exactlybetween an Otto engine and a Diesel engine. A practical workingdefinition of each of said engine types is given below.

For the air number, which is used for the classification of the enginetypes as well as for the classification of the particular catalysts, theabove mentioned applies. For the disclosed particular catalyst types,mixtures in particular with λ>1.2 are denominated as “lean” and suchwith λ<1.0 as “rich”, in order to obtain a clear limitation from thestoichiometrical range. Accordingly, the so defined rich and/or leanmixtures are also denominated as non-stoichiometrical mixtures withinthe meaning of the invention.

Conventional Otto engines are characterized by the formation of ahomogeneous petrol air mixture outside of the working space, i.e. isoutside of the plunger space, in which the combustion takes place, aswell as by controlled externally-supplied ignition. Otto engines needlow-boiling fuels and fuels which do not easily ignite (the ignitionlimits of an Otto engine are typically between λ=0.6 and λ=1.4). Withinthe context of the present invention, it is of particular importancewith respect to the exhaust gas catalysis that conventional Ottoengines, which have a three-way catalytic converter, which is controlledby means of a λ-sensor, are run predominantly at a λ value ofapproximately one (=stoichiometrical operation).

The term “lean engines” encompasses such Otto engines, which arepredominantly run with oxygen excess. For the purpose of the presentinvention, lean engines are concretely defined by means of their λvalue, that is lean engines within the meaning of the present inventionare engines, which are also run outside of fuel cut-offs in the overrun,at least partially in the lean condition, that is at a λ value of 1.2 ormore. Besides, in case of lean engines, naturally also rich operationalmodes and stoichiometrical operational modes can occur: a short-termedenrichment of the engine and therewith also of the exhaust gases can beinitiated by means of modern injection systems by the engine electronicor can occur also in the natural drive operation (for example in case ofload increasement, at full load or when starting). An alternatingoperational mode of rich and lean cycles is denominated as “rich-leanoperational mode” within the meaning of the present invention.

In particular, the term lean engines in the meaning of the invention ingeneral encompasses the following embodiments:

-   -   all Otto engines with direct injection (BDE-engines) and with        operation conditions of λ>1, as well as all Otto engines with        external preparation of the fuel mixture. Inter alia, said class        encompasses all other stratified-charge engines, that are        engines, which have near the ignition plug a mixture, which can        be ignited readily, which, however, all in all have a lean        mixture, as well as Otto engines with higher compression in        connection with direct injection. Hereunder, for example,        engines are encompassed according to the Mitsubishi process        (GDI=gasoline direct injection; common rail injection), the FSI        (=fuel stratified injection)-engine, which is developed by VW,        or the IDE (=injection direct essence)-engine, which is        conceived by Renault.    -   all Diesel engines (see below);    -   multi-substance engines, that are engines which combust fuels,        fuel mixtures like alcohols, bio alcohols, vegetable oils,        kerosene, petrol as well as any mixtures of two or more of the        before-mentioned substances, which ignite easily or not easily.

Diesel engines are characterized by internal mixture formation, aheterogeneous fuel-air mixture as well as by self-ignition. Accordingly,Diesel engines require fuels which ignite readily. Within the context ofthe present invention, it is of particular meaning that Diesel exhaustgases show similar characteristics like the exhaust gases of leanengines, that means that they are continuously lean, that isoxygen-rich. Consequently, with respect to the nitric oxide removal,similar demands have to be made with respect to the catalysts for theNO_(x)-removal in connection with Diesel engines which are employed forOtto engines in the lean operational mode. An essential difference ofDiesel passenger car engines in comparison to Otto passenger car engineshowever, is the general lower exhaust gas temperature of Dieselpassenger car engines (100° C. to 350° C.) in comparison to Ottopassenger car engines (250° C. to 650° C.), which occur within the scopeof the driving cycles, which are regulated by law. A lower exhaust gastemperature renders the use of catalysts, which are not or only littlecontaminated with sulfates, in particular attractive, because thedesulfatization, as mentioned above, is effectively possible aboveexhaust gas temperatures of approximately 600° C. All what is said inthe present invention with respect to catalysts for lean engines appliesrespectively also for catalysts, which are used for Diesel engines.

In dependence from the mixture formation and the engine characteristicsload-rotation speed, the consequence results, that for different enginesspecifically adjusted catalysts are necessary for the exhaust gastreatment. So, for example, a catalyst for a conventional Otto engine,the fuel air mixture of which is adjusted continuously to λ≈1 by meansof injection and throttle valve, and whose air number is optionallycontrolled by means of a λ-sensor, has completely differentfunctionalities for reducing NO_(x) than, for example, a catalyst for alean engine, which is run at λ>1.2, i.e. which has in the normal driveoperation an oxygen excess. It is obvious that in case of oxygen excess,a catalytically reducing of NO_(x) at an active metal is made difficult.

The term “Diesel oxidation catalyst” in general relates to catalysts,which remove in the exhaust gas of combustion engines two importantharmful substances, that is carbon monoxide by oxidation to carbondioxide as well as hydrocarbons by oxidation to, in the ideal case,water and carbon dioxide. When using a catalyst in Diesel engines, then,a third function can be added to the two mentioned functions, namely theremoval of carbon black by oxidation.

The term “three-way catalytic converter” in general relates tocatalysts, which remove in the exhaust gas of combustion engines threeessential harmful substances, that is nitric oxides (NO_(x)) byreduction to nitrogen, carbon monoxide by oxidation to carbon dioxide aswell as hydrocarbons by oxidation to, in the ideal case, water andcarbon dioxide. When using a catalyst in Diesel engines, then, a fourthfunction can be added to the three mentioned functions, that is theremoval of carbon black by oxidation.

Conventional three-way catalytic converters for Otto engines accordingto the prior art, are used in the stoichiometrical operation, that is atλ-values, which are in a narrow range around 1.0. Thereby, the λ-valueis adjusted by regulation of the petrol air mixture within thecombustion space by means of injection and throttle valve. In thenon-stoichiometrical operation, that is in the non-conventionaloperation, λ-values are possible, which clearly are different from 1.0,for example λ>1.2 or λ>2.0, however also λ<0.9. The discontinuousoperation of an engine, that is the alternating operation between leanand rich operational mode of the engine, is denominated as rich-leanoperational mode.

In the following, the technical advantages of the processes are furtherillustrated and are discussed in comparison to the known processes andcatalysts.

It is already known from the prior art that the active metals Pt, Pd,Rh, Ir and Ru have several functions in the purification of the exhaustgas of lean engines. On one hand, they themselves can serve asNO_(x)-adsorbents and can store NO_(x) in the lean phase. On the otherhand, they support the storage of NO_(x) within the NO_(x)-storingcomponents. For example, Pt catalyses the oxidation of NO to NO₂, whichis absorbed or adsorbed in a subsequent step as nitrate or nitrite on orin a NO_(x)-storing material.

Furthermore, the active metals catalyze the reduction of the storedNO_(x) to NH₃ within the enrichment phase. Thereby, the ammonia is notexclusively formed from the nitric oxides, which are stored within theNO_(x)-storing catalyst, however, additionally in inferior amounts fromthose nitric oxides, which are emitted during the enrichment phasesrespectively which are emitted during the operational mode which isbelow stoichiometry (that is the rich operational mode) from the engine.

Additionally, the noble metals also support the oxidation of CO and HCduring the lean phases as well as all three-way functionalities duringthe stoichiometrical engine operational mode.

The formed ammonia is stored in the NH₃-storing component of thecatalyst. Said component is able to sorb the deliberated NH₃ both underlean and under rich exhaust gas conditions within a broad temperaturerange. This means that the NH₃-storing component serves for sorbing theNH₃, which is generated during the rich phase, as quantitatively aspossible. As already discussed above, the enrichment periods and levelsshould be as low as possible in order to minimize the fuel extraconsumption. On the other hand, within the meaning of the presentinvention, enrichment periods and levels should be high enough in orderto empty the NO_(x)-storing catalyst as completely as possible and inorder to ensure an efficient reduction of the nitric oxide, which aredeliberated in the moment of the enrichment, to ammonia.

If the rich operational mode is switched to the lean operational mode,then, it is conceivable that the emission of NO_(x), which is emitted bythe engine, can be lowered simultaneously in two different ways: oneportion of the NO_(x) is stored within the NO_(x)-storing catalyst,whereas the other portion reacts directly with NH₃, which is boundwithin the NH₃-storing means, to N₂. Since now the NO_(x) loweringoccurs simultaneously and in two different reaction ways, all in all asignificant higher NO_(x) conversion performance can be achieved ascompared to the known processes when using known NO_(x)-storingcatalysts.

According to the present process, the emitted NH₃ is bound in aNH₃-storing component. During the subsequent lean phase, then, the NH₃can be degraded according to the so-called SCR-reaction (selectivecatalytic reduction) with the NO_(x), which is emitted from thecombustion engine, under lean exhaust gas conditions.

The NH₃-storing/SCR-catalyst, which is combined for the process, ischemically formed in a way that the stored NH₃ in the case of leanoperation is not oxidized or only to a very small extent oxidized withthe oxygen which is contained in the exhaust gas, back to NO_(x) and isemitted. Because in this manner, at least one portion of the NO_(x)which at first is stored in the NO_(x)-storing catalyst, is converted toammonia and is then reacted in the meaning of the SCR-reaction to N₂,the process allows an increased NO_(x) conversion performance, becausethe SCR-reaction supports the storage of NO_(x).

In order to ensure the simultaneous course of the SCR-reaction andNO_(x)-storage, it is desirable not only from an economic aspect tointegrate the NO_(x)-storing catalyst, the NH₃-storing means and theSCR-catalyst into each other, for example in form of a physical mixture.In contrast, a sequential arrangement of said components would not betarget-oriented, because in case of a sequential arrangement, theSCR-reaction and storing of NO_(x) could take place simultaneously onlyto a very low extent, however rather widely consecutively. If, forexample, the NO_(x)-storing catalyst would be installed upstream of boththe NH₃-storing component and the SCR-catalyst, then, in leanoperational mode, at first the NO_(x)-storing catalyst would be filledwith NO_(x). Only in case of the decrease of the NO_(x)-storage duringthe increasing lean operational mode, the SCR-reaction could perform asignificant amount to the total NO_(x) conversion.

In one embodiment of the process, said process is run in manner that aNO_(x) sensor is installed downstream of the catalyst or the catalystsystem, the measured values of which are transferred to an enginemanagement system of the combustion engine, which performs the rich-leanadjustments of the exhaust gas. In a preferred embodiment, an enrichmentis induced, when exceeding an adjustable NO_(x) threshold value.

When using the above-defined catalysts, the process has in particular inthe low temperature range a higher NO_(x) conversion performance thanprevious processes with known NO_(x)-storing catalysts.

Particularly revealed are the advantages of the invention, if, forexample, the exhaust gas temperatures fall under or exceed thetemperatures, which are necessary for the NO_(x)-storage, for examplecaused by sudden load alternation. Provided that sufficient NH₃ ispresent within the NH₃-storing component, in such cases the SCR-reactionalone can ensure a high NO_(x) conversion to N₂. Another advantage is tobe able to drive the engine longer in the lean operational mode andtherefore to minimize secondary emissions.

The process for the removal of harmful substances can be run in a mannerthat the catalyst can be employed also in combination with aconventional catalyst, for example a NO_(x)-storing catalyst from theprior art. It was found that such a combination additionally has, withrespect to the high conversion performance in the low temperature range,also a high conversion performance in the high temperature range.Obviously, this combination has a synergistic effect, which was not tobe expected.

In order to minimize CO and HC breakthroughs during the enrichmentphases, another catalyst can be installed downstream of the catalyst,preferably in form of an oxidation catalyst.

For the process of the removal of harmful substances, the catalystpreferably is mounted in a position close to the engine or in theunderbody position of a motor vehicle.

The catalyst of the process can be run also in combination with at leastone further catalyst or filter selected from the following group:conventional starting catalysts respectively light-off catalysts,HC—SCR-catalysts, carbon black or carbon black particle filters.

Thereby, the carbon black particle filter can be coated with thecatalyst, which is used for the process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the amount of NO_(x) (vertical axis, arbitrary units) in anexhaust gas of an engine in dependence from the time (horizontal axis)using a conventional storage (storing) catalyst at 250° C. (5 s rich/60s lean);

FIG. 2 shows the amount of NH₃ (vertical axis, arbitrary units) in anexhaust gas of an engine in dependence from the time (horizontal axis)using a conventional storage catalyst at 250° C. (5 s rich/60 s lean);

FIG. 3 shows the amount of NO_(x) (vertical axis, arbitrary units) in anexhaust gas of an engine in dependence from the time (horizontal axis)when carrying out the process according to the invention and using theintegrated system at 250° C. (5 s rich/60 s lean);

FIG. 4 shows the amount of NH₃ (vertical axis, arbitrary units) in anexhaust gas of an engine in dependence from the time (horizontal axis)when carrying out the process according to the invention and using theintegrated system according to the invention at 250° C. (5 s rich/60 slean);

FIG. 5 shows the concentration of NO_(x) in dependence from the time inthe cyclic rich/lean operational mode using the catalyst according tothe invention according to Example 2 (B2) at 150 and 200° C. (testconditions I);

FIG. 6 shows the concentration of NO_(x) in dependence from the time inthe cyclic rich/lean operational mode using a conventional storagecatalyst (reference) according to Comparison Example 1 (VB1) at 150 and200° C. (test conditions I);

FIG. 7 shows the concentration of NH₃ in dependence from the time in thecyclic rich/lean operational mode using the catalyst according to theinvention according to Example 2 (B2) at 200 and 250° C. (testconditions II);

FIG. 8 shows the concentration of NH₃ in dependence from the time in thecyclic rich/lean operational mode using the catalyst according to theinvention according to Example 3 (B3) at 200 and 250° C. (testconditions II);

FIG. 9 shows the concentration of NH₃ in dependence from the time in thecyclic rich/lean operational mode using a conventional storage catalyst(reference) according to Comparison Example 01 (VB01) at 200 and 250° C.(test conditions II);

FIG. 10 shows the concentration of NH₃ in dependence from the time inthe cyclic rich/lean operational mode using the storing component (KI)of the catalyst according to the invention according to ComparisonExample 02 (VB02) at 150, 200 and 250° C. (test conditions II),

FIG. 11 shows the average NO_(x) conversion in the rich/lean cycles independence from the reaction temperature under test conditions I at thefresh catalysts according to Example 2 (B02) and Comparison Example 2(VB02);

FIG. 12 shows the average NO_(x) conversion in the rich/lean cycles independence from the reaction temperature under test conditions I at thefresh catalysts according to Example 6 (B06) and comparison example 3(VB03);

FIG. 13 shows the average NO_(x) conversion in the rich/lean cycles independence from the reaction temperature under test conditions I at thefresh catalysts according to Examples 79 (B79), Example 81 (B81) andComparison Example 1 (VB01).

The figures relate to the embodiments which are subsequently described.

EXAMPLES FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROCESS

In the following, in exemplified embodiments, the process for thetreatment of exhaust gases and the manufacture of exemplified catalystsaccording to the invention are illustrated as well as the improvedproperties compared with the processes and catalysts known from theprior art. The fact that concrete examples and concrete number valuesare used, has to be understood not to be as limitation of the generalindications, which are made in the description and in the claims.

Measurements, which relate to the process according to the inventionusing the system according to the invention were carried out in packedbed laboratory reactors made from stainless steel in an simulatedexhaust gas from an engine. The system was tested in the cyclicrich/lean operational mode (5 s rich/60 s lean).

The experimental parameters were the following:

temperature range: 150-450° C. composition of the gas mixture lean: 1000vppm CO, 100 vppm propen, 300 vppm NO, 10% O₂, balance - N₂. rich: 0.03%O₂, ~6% CO, ~2% H₂ gas flow rate: 45.000 h⁻¹

The measurement of O₂ was carried out with a Lambda-Meter of the companyEtas. NO_(x) was measured with a chemiluminescence device of the companyEcophysics. The measurement of NH₃ was carried out with a massspectrometer of the company Balzers.

The measurements, which are shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, allow a comparison ofa conventional process using a conventional NO_(x)-storing catalyst(FIGS. 1 and 2) with the process according to the invention using theexhaust gas treatment system according to the invention, consisting ofNO_(x)-storing component, NH₃-generating component, NH₃-storingcomponent and SCR-component (FIGS. 3 and 4). In case of said embodiment,the four mentioned components were incorporated together on a singlehoneycomb carrier. For comparison between the conventional referencesystem and the system according to the invention, the masses of appliedNO_(x)-storing component and active metal were identical, respectively.The system according to the invention contained additionally to theNO_(x)-storing component another component, which had both the functionof a NH₃-storing component and a SCR-catalyst.

FIG. 1 shows the concentration of NO_(x) (vertical axis, arbitraryunits) in an exhaust gas of an engine in dependence from the time(horizontal axis) using a conventional storage catalyst at 250° C. (5 srich/60 s lean). Accordingly, FIG. 2 shows the concentration of NH₃(vertical axis, arbitrary units) in an exhaust gas of an engine independence from the time (horizontal axis) using the same conventionalstorage catalyst at 250° C. (5 s rich/60 s lean).

FIG. 3 shows the concentration of NO_(x) (vertical axis, arbitraryunits) in an exhaust gas of an engine in dependence from the time(horizontal axis) when carrying out the process according to theinvention at 250° C. (5 s rich/60 s lean). Accordingly, FIG. 4 shows theconcentration of NH₃ (vertical axis, arbitrary units) in an exhaust gasof an engine in dependence from the time (horizontal axis) when carryingout the process according to the invention at 250° C. (5 s rich/60 slean).

The measurements show clearly that (i) the system for the treatment ofthe exhaust gas according to the invention has no (significant) NH₃emissions during the enrichment phases compared to a conventionalNO_(x)-storing catalyst and additionally (ii) ensures a (practically)complete removal of NO_(x) over the total operation time of the leanphase. The conventional NO_(x)-storing catalyst, however, losessignificant efficiency with increasing time of the lean operationalmode.

Examples for Catalysts Example 1 (B01)

The catalyst consists of two components I and II.

For the manufacture of the component I (KI), a zirconium oxide (XZ16075,Company Norton) was suspended in water and was ground in a ball mill.After the drying, 1.25 g of the ground material were provided as carrieroxide.

147 μl of an aqueous 1.6 molar palladium nitrate solution were mixedwith 178 μl 2.5 molar cerium nitrate solution and diluted with 675 μlwater. The carrier oxide was impregnated with 1000 μl of the resultingsolution, which corresponded to the water absorption of the zirconiumoxide. The so impregnated carrier oxide was then dried for 16 hours at80° C.

The resulting loading was two weight-% palladium and 5 weight-% ceriumrelated to the amount of carrier oxide.

As component II, a beta-zeolite (H-BEA-25, Company Süd-Chemie) wasapplied.

For the manufacture of a catalyst, 1.25 g of component I, 0.53 g of thecomponent II and 3 ml water were mixed in a mortar. Then, the resultingmaterial was dried for 16 hours at 80° C.

Subsequently, the material was calcinated for 2 hours at 500° C. in air(indicated as “fresh”).

One portion of the fresh material was additionally calcinated for 16hours at 650° C. in an air flow, which contained 10% water (indicated as“aged”).

Examples 2 to 45 (B02-B45)

The catalysts were prepared in analogy to Example 1, wherein for themanufacture of component I (KI) the zirconium oxide was impregnated withan aqueous solution of one or more salts, like palladium nitrate,trinitratonitrosylruthenium(II), rhodium nitrate, platinum nitrate, ironnitrate, praseodymium nitrate, cerium nitrate, potassium nitrate, andwherein component II was varied.

The table with the examples (Table 1) shows the composition of therespective catalysts based on weight-percent.

Example 46 (B46)

The catalyst consists of two components I and II.

For the manufacture of component I (KI), cerium(III) nitrate (CompanyAldrich) was calcinated for two hours at 500° C. After the calcination,1 g of the material was provided as carrier oxide.

118 μl of an aqueous 1.6 molar palladium nitrate solution were dilutedwith 982 μl water. The carrier oxide was impregnated with 1100 μl of theresulting solution, which corresponded to the water absorption of thecarrier material. Then, the so impregnated carrier oxide was dried at80° C. for 16 hours.

The resulting loading related to the amount of carrier oxide was 2weight-% palladium.

As component II, a beta-zeolite (H-BEA-25, Company Süd-Chemie) wasapplied.

For the manufacture of a catalyst, 1 g of component I, 1 g of thecomponent II and 3 ml water were mixed in a mortar. The resultingmaterial was dried at 80° C. for 16 hours.

Subsequently, the material was calcinated for 2 hours at 500° C. in air(indicated as “fresh”).

One portion of the fresh material was additionally calcinated at 650° C.for 16 hours in an air stream, which contained 10% water vapor(indicated as “aged”).

Examples 47 to 75 (B47-B75)

The catalysts were manufactured in analogy to Example 46, wherein forthe manufacture of component I (KI) the carrier oxide was impregnatedwith an aqueous solution of one or more salts, like palladium nitrate,trinitratonitrosylruthenium(II), rhodium nitrate, platinum nitrate, ironnitrate, praseodymium nitrate, cerium nitrate, and wherein the componentII was varied.

Example 76

The catalyst consists of two components I and II.

For the manufacture of component I (KI), silica-alumina (Siralox 5/170,Company Sasol) was suspended in water and was ground in a ball mill.After drying, 5 g of the ground material was provided as carrier oxide.

513 μl of an aqueous, 1.0 molar platinum nitrate solution were mixedwith 15600 μl of an aqueous, 0.35 molar barium nitrate solution and wasdiluted with 387 μl water. The carrier oxide was mixed with 16500 μl ofsaid solution, and the water was evaporated upon stirring. The soimpregnated carrier oxide was dried at 80° C. for 16 hours in a dryingoven. Subsequently, component II was calcinated for two hours at 500° C.under air in a muffle furnace.

The resulting loading related to the amount of carrier oxide was 2weight-% platinum and 15 weight-% barium.

As component II, a beta-zeolite (Zeocat PB/H, Company Zeochem) wasapplied.

For the manufacture of a catalyst, 0.25 g of component I were mixed with0.25 g of component II.

Example 77

The catalyst consists of two components I and II.

For the manufacture of component I (KI), silica-alumina (siralox 5/170,Company Sasol) was suspended in water and was ground in a ball mill.After the drying, 5 g of the ground material was provided as carrieroxide.

384 μl of an aqueous, 1.0 molar platinum nitrate solution were mixedwith 243 μl of an aqueous 1.0 molar rhodium nitrate solution and 54610μl of an aqueous, 0.1 molar barium nitrate solution. The carrier oxidewas mixed with 55237 μl of said solution and the water was evaporatedupon stirring. The so impregnated carrier oxide was then dried for 16hours at 80° C. in a drying oven. Subsequently, component I wascalcinated at 500° C. under air in an muffle furnace.

The resulting loading related to the amount of carrier oxide was 1.5weight-% platinum, 0.5 weight-% rhodium and 15 weight-% barium.

As component II, a beta-zeolite (Zeocat PB/H, Company Zeochem) wasapplied.

For the manufacture of a catalyst, 0.25 g of component I were mixedmechanically with 0.25 g of component II.

Example 78

The catalyst consists of three components.

For the manufacture of component I (KI), a zirconium oxide (XZ16075,Company Norton) was suspended in water and was ground in a ball mill.After the drying, 5 g of the ground material was provided as carrieroxide.

752 μl of an aqueous, 1.0 molar platinum nitrate solution were mixedwith 198 μl of an aqueous 1.0 molar trinitratonitrosylruthenium(II)solution, 714 μl of an aqueous 2.5 molar cerium nitrate solution andwere diluted with 2336 μl water. The carrier oxide was impregnated with4000 μl of the resulting solution, which related to the water absorptionof the zirconium oxide. The so impregnated carrier oxide was then driedat 80° C. for 16 hours.

The resulting loading related to the amount of carrier oxide was 1.6weight-% palladium, 0.4 weight-% ruthenium and 5 weight-% cerium.

Component II was a beta-zeolite (H-BEA25, Company Süd-Chemie).

For the manufacture of component III (KIII), 0.5 g NH₄-beta-zeolite(NH₄-BEA25, Company Süd-Chemie) were fed to a 1 molar cerium nitratesolution, and were stirred for 2 hours at 80° C. Afterwards, the zeolitematerial was filtrated, was washed with completely desalted water andwas dried for 16 hours at 120° C. The resulting material was calcinatedfor two hours at 500° C. in air in an muffle furnace.

For the manufacture of a catalyst, 1.25 g of component I, 0.75 g ofcomponent II, 0.5 g of component III and 5 ml water were mixed in amortar. The resulting material was then dried for 16 hours at 80° C.

Subsequently, the material was calcinated for 2 hours at 500° C. in air(indicated as “fresh”).

One portion of the fresh material was additionally calcinated for 16hours at 650° C. in an air stream, which contained 10% water (indicatedas “aged”).

Example 79 (B79)

The catalyst consists of a mechanical mixture of two catalysts.

For the manufacture of the catalyst (indicated as “fresh”), 0.18 g ofthe catalyst according to Example 1 (B01) were mixed with 0.15 g of thereference catalyst (VB01).

Example 80 (B80)

The catalyst consisted of a mechanical mixture of two catalysts. For themanufacture of the catalyst (indicated as “fresh”), 0.18 g of the agedcatalyst from Example 34 (B34) were mixed with 0.15 g of the referencecatalyst (VB01).

Example 81 (B81)

The catalyst consists of a mechanical mixture of two catalysts.

For the manufacture of the catalyst (indicated as “fresh”), 0.18 g ofthe aged catalyst from Example 35 (B35) were mixed with 0.15 g of thereference catalyst (VB01).

Comparison Example 01 (VB01)

Comparison Example 01 contains an NO_(x)-storing catalyst based onPt/Pd/Rh/Ba/Ce (reference catalyst) as known from the prior art.

Comparison Example 02 (VB02)

Comparison Example 02 includes the component I (KI) of the catalystaccording to Example 2 (B02), which was calcinated for two hours at 500°C.

The loading related to the amount of zirconium oxide was 2 weight-%palladium, 0.4 weight-% ruthenium and 5 weight-% cerium.

Comparison Example 03 (VB03)

Comparison Example 03 includes the component I (KI) of the catalystaccording to Example 6 (B06), which was calcinated for two hours at 500°C.

The loading related to the amount of zirconium oxide was 2 weight-%palladium, 0.4 weight-% ruthenium, 2 weight-% iron and 5 weight-%cerium.

In the table with the examples (Table 1), the compositions of therespective catalysts are shown on basis of weight-percent.

TABLE 1 Compositions of the catalysts with two components (B01-B77)catalyst composition component I (K I) further elements [weight-%portion related to carrier] component II [weight-%] Example carrier PdRu Rh Pt Fe Pr Ce K Ba (K II) K I K II B01 ZrO₂ 2 5 beta-zeolite 70 30B02 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B03 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 5 beta-zeolite 7030 B04 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B05 ZrO₂ 2 2 5 beta-zeolite 7030 B06 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B07 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5beta-zeolite 70 30 B08 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B09 ZrO₂ 2 25 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B10 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B11ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B12 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 5beta-zeolite 70 30 B13 ZrO₂ 2 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B14 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 10beta-zeolite 70 30 B15 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B16 ZrO₂ 1.60.4 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B17 ZrO₂ 2 2 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B18 ZrO₂1.6 0.4 2 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B19 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 10 beta-zeolite 70 30B20 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B21 ZrO₂ 2 2 5 10 beta-zeolite70 30 B22 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B23 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 10beta-zeolite 70 30 B24 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 5 10 beta-zeolite 70 30 B25 ZrO₂ 220 beta-zeolite 70 30 B26 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 20 beta-zeolite 70 30 B27 ZrO₂1.6 0.4 20 beta-zeolite 70 30 B28 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 20 beta-zeolite 70 30 B29ZrO₂ 2 2 20 beta-zeolite 70 30 B30 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 2 20 beta-zeolite 70 30B31 ZrO₂ 1 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B32 ZrO₂ 1 5 ZSM-5 70 30 B33 ZrO₂ 0.90.1 5 ZSM-5 70 30 B34 ZrO₂ 0.9 0.1 5 ZSM-5 70 30 B35 ZrO₂ 0.9 0.1 1 5beta-zeolite 70 30 B36 ZrO₂ 2 beta-zeolite 50 50 B37 ZrO₂ 2 2beta-zeolite 50 50 B38 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 50 50 B39 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4beta-zeolite 50 50 B40 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 50 50 B41 ZrO₂ 2 5beta-zeolite 50 50 B42 ZrO₂ 2 2 5 beta-zeolite 50 50 B43 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 5beta-zeolite 50 50 B44 ZrO₂ 1.6 0.4 5 beta-zeolite 50 50 B45 ZrO₂ 1.60.4 5 2 beta-zeolite 50 50 B46 CeO₂ 2 beta-zeolite 50 50 B47 CeO₂ 2beta-zeolite 70 30 B48 CeO₂ 2 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50 B49 CeO₂ 2 ZSM-5 5050 B50 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 50 50 B51 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 7030 B52 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50 B53 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 ZSM-5 50 50B54 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 50 50 B55 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 70 30B56 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50 B57 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 ZSM-5 50 50 B58CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 50 50 B59 CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 beta-zeolite 70 30 B60CeO₂ 1.6 0.4 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50 B61 CeO₂ 2 2 5 beta-zeolite 50 50B62 CeO₂ 2 2 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B63 CeO₂ 2 2 5 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50B64 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite 50 50 B65 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite 7030 B66 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50 B67 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 ZSM-5 5050 B68 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite 50 50 B69 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite70 30 B70 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 Wessalith HY25/5 50 50 B71 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 ZSM-550 50 B72 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 beta-zeolite 70 30 B73 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 WessalithHY25/5 50 50 B74 CeO₂ 2 0.4 2 5 ZSM-5 50 50 B75 CeO₂ 1 1 beta-zeolite 5050 B76 Siralox 2 15 beta-zeolite 50 50 5/170 B77 Siralox 0.5 1.5 15beta-zeolite 50 50 5/170

Testing of Catalysts

The measurements at the catalysts, which were used for the process, werecarried out in fixed bed laboratory reactors made from stainless steelwith simulated exhaust gas from an engine. The catalysts were tested inthe cyclic rich/lean operational mode in the temperature range between150 and 400° C.

The test parameters were as follows:

Test conditions I rich-lean adjustments: 2 s rich/60 s lean compositionof the gas mixture: lean: 300 vppm NO, 1000 vppm CO, 100 vppm propene,10% O₂, 5% H₂O, balance - N₂ rich: 0.03% O₂, ~6% CO, ~2% H₂ gas flowrate: 45 L/h catalyst mass: 0.15-0.5 g Test conditions II rich-leanadjustments: 2 s rich/60 s lean composition of the gas mixture: lean:300 vppm NO, 1000 vppm CO, 100 vppm propene, 10% O₂, balance - N₂ rich:0.03% O₂, ~6% CO, ~2% H₂ gas flow rate: 45 L/h catalyst mass: 0.15-0.5 g

The catalysts, which were applied for the process, were measured as bulkmaterial. The application of the washcoat to a shaped body was setaside. Mostly, for the measurement of the activity, a sieve fractionwith particle sizes of from 315-700 μm was used.

As reference catalyst (VB01), a commercial honeycomb shapedNO_(x)-storing catalyst was used. The reference catalyst was mortaredand also used as bulk material for the activity measurement. Withrespect to the comparison between the reference system and the catalystsaccording to the invention, the masses of applied noble metal wereidentical in the activity measurements, respectively.

The measurement of O₂ was carried out with a Lambda-Meter of the CompanyEtas. NO_(x) was measured with a chemiluminescence device of CompanyEcophysics. The measurement of NH₃ was carried out under test conditionsII with a mass spectrometer of the Company Balzers.

Hydrothermal Aging

The hydrothermal aging of the catalysts was carried out in a mufflefurnace at a temperature of 650° C. in an air flow with 10 volume-%water vapor. Thereby, the catalysts were kept for 16 hours at saidtemperature and were then cooled down to room temperature.

For the evaluation of the catalysts, the average NO_(x) rates werecalculated in the rich/lean cycles at different reaction temperatures.The corresponding values for the catalysts in the fresh condition andafter hydrothermal aging are summarized in the Tables 2 to 5 as well asin FIGS. 11 to 13.

TABLE 2 Results of the catalytic tests of the NO_(x) conversion in therich/lean operational mode at the fresh catalysts (test conditions I,amount of noble metal in the catalyst: 0.05 g) Average NO_(x) conversionin the rich-lean cycles/% Example 150° C. 200° C. 300° C. B01 30 46 47B02 60 82 78 B03 57 69 67 B04 45 60 65 B05 48 53 43 B06 61 76 65 B07 5163 56 B08 39 56 54 B09 40 48 51 B10 42 60 58 B11 53 57 58 B12 36 47 49B13 51 63 43 B14 59 80 75 B15 47 70 67 B16 34 61 57 B17 32 49 39 B18 4052 35 B19 40 63 45 B20 40 56 50 B21 38 50 35 B22 29 61 58 B23 42 44 53B24 38 39 41 B25 44 46 33 B26 46 53 46 B27 53 55 56 B28 42 46 46 B29 3840 37 B30 45 50 41 B46 45 53 41 B47 53 46 45 B48 34 46 34 B49 63 60 37B50 55 50 40 B51 51 51 27 B52 63 79 59 B53 58 61 52 B54 49 55 39 B55 5573 66 B56 60 67 51 B57 57 53 45 B58 50 49 35 B59 53 62 64 B60 50 46 38B61 40 43 29 B62 45 58 55 B76 52 67 60 B77 37 53 49 VB01 10 37 88

TABLE 3 Results of the catalytic tests for the NO_(x) conversion in therich-lean operational mode at the fresh catalysts (test conditions I,amount of noble metal in the catalyst: 0.0025 g) Average NO_(x)conversion in the rich-lean cycles/% Example 150° C. 200° C. 300° C. B3143 44 30 B32 44 45 30 B33 45 53 45 B34 41 44 37 B35 39 53 41 B36 18 2526 B37 37 34 32 B38 19 30 44 B39 32 58 58 B40 35 46 51 B41 35 42 29 B4236 45 32 B43 34 62 52 B44 54 87 70 B45 29 69 72 B75 45 58 45 B78 25 5248 B79 43 71 85 B80 56 70 82 B81 58 80 92 VB01 10 25 84

TABLE 4 Results of the catalytic tests for the NO_(x) conversion in therich/lean-operational mode at catalysts which were hydrothermally agedat 650° C. (test conditions I, amount of noble metal in the catalyst:0.05 g) Average NO_(x) conversion in the rich-lean cycles/% Example 150°C. 200° C. 300° C. B01 37 54 46 B02 53 72 67 B03 45 47 55 B50 40 49 42B51 55 56 45 B52 28 40 33 B53 43 49 42 B54 38 42 40 B55 45 37 48 B56 2528 37 B57 44 44 59 B64 33 44 34 B65 49 46 30 B66 32 33 28 B67 47 59 48VB01 10 17 80

TABLE 5 Results of the catalytic tests for the NO_(x) conversion in therich/lean operational mode at the hydrothermally aged catalysts (testconditions I, amount of noble metal in the catalyst: 0.025 g) AverageNO_(x) conversion in the rich-lean cycles/% Example 150° C. 200° C. 300°C. B06 31 53 44 B14 30 58 53 B31 33 36 31 B32 38 40 31 B33 39 51 51 B3440 44 35 B35 46 48 43 VB01 10 16 60

The results of the catalytic measurements show that the catalysts, whichcomprise the component I and II, have significantly higher NO_(x)conversions at low exhaust gas temperatures (<300° C.) than thereference NO_(x)-storing catalysts. This applies both under freshconditions and after hydrothermal aging.

The measurements of the NO_(x) concentrations in the rich/lean cycles,which are shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, allow a comparison of the NO_(x)conversion between the catalyst (B2) and the conventional storingcatalyst (VB1) at the exhaust gas temperatures of 150 and 200° C.

The FIGS. 7 to 8 show the generation of NH₃ at the catalysts.

FIG. 9 shows the formation of NH₃ at the conventional storing catalyst(VB01).

The measurements show clearly that

-   (i) the catalysts, which contain the NO_(x)- and NH₃-storing    components do not show NH₃ emissions compared to the NO_(x)-storing    catalyst; and additionally-   (ii) in particular at low exhaust gas temperatures ensure a more    efficient removal of NO_(x).

The catalysts according to the invention contain a component based onzeolite, which functions both as NH₃-storing component and asSCR-catalyst. The FIGS. 11 and 12 show the comparison of the NO_(x)conversion between the catalysts (B02 and B06) and the storingcomponents (ki) without using a zeolite component (VB02 and VB03).

The results, which are illustrated in FIG. 13 show that by using amechanical mixture of the catalysts, which contain the NO_(x)- andNH₃-storing components with a conventional NO_(x)-storing catalyst (B79and B81), an improvement of the NO_(x) conversion in the temperaturerange between 150 and 400° C. was achieved in comparison to thereference NO_(x)-storing catalyst.

1. A catalytic process for the removal of NO_(x) from the exhaust gasesof lean engines in the cyclic lean/rich operational mode, whichcomprises at least the following partial steps: (i) storing of NO_(x)under lean exhaust gas conditions in at least one NO_(x)-storingcomponent, (ii) in situ conversion of the stored NO_(x) to ammonia (NH₃)under rich exhaust gas conditions, (iii) storing of the NH₃ in at leastone NH₃-storing component under rich exhaust conditions, (iv) reactionof NH₃ with NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions, wherein thepartial steps of storing of NO_(x)- and reaction of NH₃ run at leasttemporarily and/or partially simultaneously and/or parallelly,characterized in that the catalytic components which cause said partialsteps (i) to (iv) are in a physical contact.
 2. A process according toclaim 1, wherein the catalytic components which are required forcarrying out the different partial steps form a spatially and/orfunctionally contiguous system.
 3. A process according to claim 2,wherein at least two of the catalytic components are present on a commonsubstrate or on a jointed substrate system.
 4. A process according toclaim 1, wherein the storing of NH₃ as well as the NH₃ conversionaccording to the SCR-process takes place by means of the same catalyticcomponent.
 5. A process according to claim 1, wherein for the storing ofNO_(x) all materials are applied, which, due to their chemicalproperties, are able to interact with nitric oxides.
 6. A processaccording to claim 1, wherein the spatially and/or functionallycontiguous system contains catalytic components, which are used for thegeneration of ammonia, for storing ammonia and for the conversion ofammonia to nitrogen.
 7. A process according to claim 1, wherein thecatalytic components are applied onto a body selected from honeycombstructures, pellets, beads, and extrudates.
 8. A process according toclaim 1, characterized in that the catalytic components contain at leastone of the materials from the group (1) and at least one acidic solidfrom the group (2): group (1) consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir and Ru, eachalone or in mixture, being present on a carrier material selected from:oxides, mixed oxides, phosphates and sulfates of Al, Si, Zr, Ti, Ce, theearth alkali metal elements and rare earth elements; heteropoly acids;zeolites; as well as mixtures thereof; and group (2) consisting ofzeolites, heteropoly acids, sulfated zirconium oxides or zirconiumphosphates; as well as mixtures thereof.
 9. A process according to claim8, characterized in that said zeolite from group (2) has a Si/Al ratioof more than
 3. 10. A process according to claim 8, characterized inthat said zeolite from group (2) is selected from the group consistingof pentasiles, Y-zeolite, USY, DAY, mordenite and zeolite-β.
 11. Aprocess according to claim 8, characterized in that said catalyticcomponents contain a further component consisting of iron-exchangedzeolite, preferably an iron-exchanged and/or rare earthelement-exchanged zeolite.
 12. A process according to claim 8,characterized in that the amount of the sum of the noble metals in thetotal mass of the catalytic components is in the range 0.1 to 5weight-%.
 13. A process according to claim 8, characterized in that theamount of acidic solid from group (2) in the total mass of the catalyticcomponents is in the range of from 5 to 95 weight %.
 14. Use ofcatalytic components for a catalytic process for the removal of NO_(x)from the exhaust gases of lean engines in the cyclic lean/richoperational mode, which comprises at least the following partial steps:(i) storing of NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions in at least oneNO_(x)-storing component, (ii) in situ conversion of the stored NO_(x)to ammonia (NH₃) under rich exhaust gas conditions, (iii) storing of theNH₃ in at least one NH₃-storing component under rich exhaust conditions,(iv) reaction of NH₃ with NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions,wherein the partial steps of storing of NO_(x) and reaction of NH₃ runat least temporarily and/or partially simultaneously and/or parallelly,characterized in that the catalytic components which cause said partialsteps (i) to (iv) are in a physical contact.
 15. Use of catalyticcomponents containing at least one of the materials from the group (1)and at least one acidic solid from the group (2): (1) Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir andRu, each alone or in mixture, being present on a carrier materialselected from: oxides, mixed oxides, phosphates and sulfates of Al, Si,Zr, Ti, Ce, the earth alkali metal elements and rare earth elements;heteropoly acids; zeolites; as well as mixtures thereof; (2) zeolites,heteropoly acids, sulfated zirconium oxides or zirconium phosphates; aswell as mixtures thereof; for a catalytic process for the removal of NOfrom the exhaust gases of lean engines in the cyclic lean/richoperational mode, which comprises at least the following partial steps:(i) storing of NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions in at least oneNO_(x)-storing component, (ii) in situ conversion of the stored NO toammonia (NH₃) under rich exhaust gas conditions, (iii) storing of theNH₃ in at least one NH₃-storing component under rich exhaust conditions,(iv) reaction of NH₃ with NO_(x) under lean exhaust gas conditions,wherein the partial steps of “storing of NO_(x)” and “reaction of NH₃”run at least temporarily and/or partially simultaneously and/orparallelly, characterized in that the catalytic components which causesaid partial steps (i) to (iv) are in a physical contact.
 16. The methodof claim 15 wherein the catalytic components further contain an oxide ofa metal selected from alkali metal elements, earth alkali metalelements, rare earth elements, zirconium and titanium.
 17. The method ofclaim 15 wherein the catalytic components further contain an inorganiccompound of a metal selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, In, Ga, Agand Sn.
 18. The method of claim 8 wherein the catalytic componentsfurther contain an oxide of a metal selected from alkali metal elements,earth alkali metal elements, rare earth elements, zirconium andtitanium.
 19. The method of claim 8 wherein the catalytic componentsfurther contain an inorganic compound of a metal selected from V, Cr,Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, In, Ga, Ag and Sn.